What is the difference between Quartz & Dekton worktops?

Over recent years, quartz kitchen worktops have surged into mainstream popularity thanks to technological innovations bringing down the cost of the material, as well as the host of features offered by quartz in comparison to natural stone materials like marble or granite. On the other hand, you may not have heard about the range of benefits Dekton has to offer. 

Like quartz, Dekton is a manufactured material that has a lot to offer homeowners selecting a countertop material. However, Dekton has a few key differences that make it well worth considering. From the technological differences in how the materials are made to their fundamental properties, let’s take a look at the differences between quartz and Dekton, helping you choose which of the two is right for you and your home or workplace.

To learn more about our diverse quartz offering, click here. Alternatively, you can find out more about our Dekton range here.

Features of Quartz & Dekton

While at first glance, Dekton and quartz share a lot in common, once you take a closer look into how each is manufactured it becomes clear that there are fundamental differences between the two.

Quartz, as the name suggests, is primarily made from quartz material, one of the most common materials found in the Earth’s crust. The quartz is then combined with resins and adhesives to bind it together into the material slabs. In general, around 90% of the material is comprised of quartz.

Dekton, on the other hand, only uses natural raw materials found in rock, subjecting these materials to intense pressure and heat to form an entirely new material. This is known as ‘sintering’, and the finished product is a compact slab that would have taken thousands of years to naturally form.

Quartz and Dekton do share a similarity when it comes to the next step, the fabrication stage. The same tools are required, such as polishing pads and diamond coring bits, to shape, finish, and install both materials. 

Quartz and Dekton in the home

With our brief introduction into how both materials are made and what they are formed from, it’s time to look at what each material has to offer once it has been installed within the home. We provide a direct comparison between the two, so you can make an informed decision. Our five spotlighted categories are:

• Stain resistance
• Durability & strength
• Heat resistance
• Customizability
• Outside use

Both Dekton and quartz worktops can prove to be fantastic choices for your kitchen, however it’s important to take the following in mind and select the material that you find preferable. 

Stain resistance

While granite and marble are popular choices for kitchen surfaces, they are porous and require regular sealing in order to prevent discolouration and staining. On the other hand, both quartz and Dekton are non-porous, making it a simple task to clean up any spilt liquids using basic cleaning products.

When you look at the fine print, you’ll find that while quartz is labelled as stain-resistant, Dekton is claimed by the manufacturers to be stain-proof. This is due to the extreme density of Dekton, which prevents liquids from penetrating the surface of the material.

Durability & Strength

Another difference between quartz and Dekton lies in the durability and strength of the materials. As we have mentioned, when Dekton is manufactured, it is subjected to high heat and pressure, forming a very compact material. However, this material’s tension makes it more likely to chip.

Although it is unlikely you will be dropping anything heavy enough onto the surface to cause significant damage, it is worth considering should your kitchen be a bustling hubbub of activity.

Quartz, conversely, is an extremely durable material that is resistant to scratches and chips. While it’s not completely indestructible, it will stand up to decades of intensive use of day-to-day activity. 

Heat resistance

When it comes to heat resistance, Dekton is the clear winner. As the manufacturing process involves extreme heat, once fully formed the material withstands extremely high temperatures. The likes of hot pots and pans do not pose an issue when placed on Dekton countertops and surfaces.

The same cannot be said for quartz, however, as this material is susceptible to burn marks under high heat. As quartz is comprised in part of resins that are used to bind the quartz together, these resins can burn when put in contact with a source of heat. In this case, we recommend the use of trivets and racks to safeguard your quartz countertops.

Customisability

When comparing quartz and Dekton in terms of customisability and colour options available, both materials presenting a wide choice. From neutral and monochromatic tones to gorgeous blues and browns, there’s a lot to choose from. In this instance, the manufactured materials have the edge over natural materials, allowing for complete customisability as you choose the colours and styles that you like. 

Outside use

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that quartz and Dekton can react differently when installed outside. When exposed to sunlight over a long period, quartz has been reported to fade, however this is not usually an issue under normal circumstances. 

Conversely, Dekton is fit for use even when subject to intense sunlight, retaining its colour without issue. If you are thinking about installing your countertops outside, then you may consider this difference between the two materials. 

Which should you choose? 

Both Dekton and quartz are well worth considering when deciding on your next kitchen countertop material. With a wide array of colour options and styles available, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice when choosing a final design.

However, there are some fundamental differences in the properties of each material. While Dekton is extremely resistant to heat, sources of heat should not be put into contact with quartz worktops. Moreover, quartz is an extremely durable material that resists chipping and scratching. On the other hand, extra care should be taken with Dekton surfaces to prevent chipping, specifically during the fabrication process. 

We are your local stone worktop and countertop specialists, with a wide range of materials and styles available. This includes quartz and Dekton – click through to find out more information on our offering.